Vast Exploration Inc.-Provides Kurdistan Operational Update

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwire - May 24, 2011) - Vast Exploration Inc. ("Vast" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE:VST) is pleased to provide the following update on the Niko Resources Ltd. ("Niko Resources") operated Qara Dagh Block in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

Drilling of the first exploration well on the Qara Dagh Block has reached a Total Depth of 3,908 meters. Drilling operations have been completed and logging of the open hole Cretaceous section below 3,558 meters has been initiated.

Subsequent to the completion of the logging operations, a flow test program will commence. The consortium partners have agreed to conduct a minimum of three tests across prospective intervals. The testing program is anticipated to be completed, and results available by end of June.

About Vast Exploration

Vast Exploration Inc. is an independent oil and gas company. Vast is focused on the exploration and development of its principal asset, the Qara Dagh Block, in the Kurdistan region of Iraq, where it holds a net undivided 37% working interest in the block. The Qara Dagh Block lies on trend with existing discoveries and is located in the prolific Zagros Fold Belt of Northern Iraq, which contains several large fields including the super-giant Kirkuk field.

Regulatory Statements

This press release contains "forward looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the prospective nature of the Block, the drilling program and revised timeline for completion, exploration and development plans and projected expenses and timetable, and relationships with other companies who hold an interest in the Qara Dagh block. Generally, forward looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. For a description of some of such risks, please see the Company's annual information form filed under the profile of the Company on SEDAR. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward looking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.